Preliminary probe shows Ghatkopar building was ‘stable’

A senior civic official said CCTV footage, which the committee found of cameras in the opposite building, could help further understand how the structure crashedRicha Pinto | TNN | August 11, 2017, 16:30 IST

File photoMUMBAI: Preliminary investigations into the four-storey building which crashed in Ghatkopar on July 25 have found that the structure was prima facie “stable”.

A three-member committee, headed by BMC additional municipal commissioner Vijay Singhal, which is probing reasons for the crash of Siddhi Sai building, have completed basic investigations, which include recording statements of survivors and testing of debris to ascertain how strong the structure was.

A senior civic official said CCTV footage, which the committee found of cameras in the opposite building, could help further understand how the structure crashed. “Primarily, the structure appears to be stable. Therefore, we are trying to understand what caused the crash. While residents claimed it was aggressive civil work being carried out by the accused, Sunil Shitap, that caused the building to collapse, we want to be sure before coming to any conclusion. Besides there were also CCTV cameras put up by Shitap around the flats he owned on the ground and first floors of the building. We are analyzing all possible images and videos we can find,” said the official.

The report was to be tabled before the municipal commissioner within 15 days from the crash but with some aspects yet to be investigated by the committee, it is likely the report could be delayed. On July 25, the building in Damodhar Park collapsed, killing 17 persons, two of who were infants.

Meanwhile, residents are yet awaiting alternative accommodation from the authorities. A resident said they are hopeful that at least by next week they should get some answers on alternative homes. “We have been following up with the authorities to get us alternative accommodation considering we are left with nothing after our building crashed,” said a resident.

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